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PHD in Knowledge Management at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is a premier Institute of National Importance established in 1994 in Amingaon, Assam. Renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant 700-acre residential campus, and diverse B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programs, IIT Guwahati consistently ranks among India's top engineering institutions, attracting top talent and achieving strong placements.

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Kamrup, Assam

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About the Specialization

What is Knowledge Management at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Kamrup?

This Knowledge Management PhD program at IIT Guwahati focuses on the interdisciplinary study of how organizations effectively create, capture, share, and utilize knowledge. In India''''s dynamic economy, leveraging knowledge for innovation and competitive advantage is critical. This program aims to cultivate advanced researchers and practitioners who can address complex knowledge-related challenges in diverse business and governmental sectors, driving national growth and intellectual leadership.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in disciplines such as Management, Information Technology, Social Sciences, or Computer Science, possessing a strong foundation in research methods and a keen interest in knowledge-driven organizational performance. It also attracts seasoned professionals from IT, consulting, and R&D sectors aiming to acquire deeper theoretical insights and contribute significant scholarly work while enhancing their strategic leadership capabilities within knowledge-intensive industries.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to embark on impactful career paths as academic faculty, senior research scientists, chief knowledge officers, or innovation consultants across India''''s leading educational institutions, R&D organizations, and corporate giants. Remuneration packages are highly competitive, ranging from INR 15-25 LPA for entry-level academic/research roles to INR 30-50+ LPA for experienced industry leadership positions, with substantial growth opportunities in the digital economy.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Core Research Methodologies- (Semester 1-2)

Dedicate significant effort to foundational courses like Research Methodology (HS 601) and specialized quantitative/qualitative methods (HS 602, HS 603). Actively participate in departmental workshops focusing on statistical software (e.g., R, Python, NVivo) and data analysis techniques to establish a strong base for rigorous academic inquiry.

Tools & Resources

IITG Central Library research databases, NPTEL courses on research methods, Statistical software packages (RStudio, SPSS), Peer study groups

Career Connection

Proficiency in research methods is crucial for conducting credible studies, which is essential for academic roles, and provides strong analytical skills valued in industry research and consulting positions.

Identify and Refine Knowledge Management Research Niche- (Semester 1-2)

Engage proactively with faculty members specializing in Knowledge Management and related fields to explore potential research areas. Read extensively on contemporary trends in KM relevant to the Indian context (e.g., AI in KM, tacit knowledge transfer in PSUs, digital transformation). Develop preliminary research questions and seek early feedback from advisors.

Tools & Resources

Scopus, Web of Science for relevant journals, IITG HSS Department faculty profiles, Conferences on Information Systems and KM in India

Career Connection

Early identification of a focused and impactful research area leads to a strong thesis, which significantly enhances prospects for specialized roles in academia and R&D in the Indian tech and consulting sectors.

Develop Advanced Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Enroll in courses like Research Writing (HS 608) and Academic Writing and Publishing (HS 610). Consistently practice writing literature reviews, research proposals, and initial paper drafts. Seek frequent feedback from your supervisor and peers, focusing on clarity, argumentative rigor, and adherence to academic citation standards. Consider submitting to departmental newsletters or workshops.

Tools & Resources

Grammarly Business, Mendeley/Zotero for efficient citation management, IITG Language & Writing Lab (if available), Academic style guides

Career Connection

Superior academic writing is paramount for publishing in top-tier journals, securing grants, and effectively communicating complex research findings, all vital for academic and high-level corporate research careers.

Intermediate Stage

Undertake Specialization-Focused Coursework- (Semester 3-4)

Strategically choose advanced elective courses from the HSS department''''s offerings that align directly with your chosen Knowledge Management research area, such as ''''Knowledge Management'''' (HS 674), ''''Information Systems Management'''' (HS 675), or ''''Data Analytics for Business'''' (HS 676). This deepens your theoretical understanding and provides tools for your thesis research.

Tools & Resources

Specialized KM and Information Science journals, IITG course catalog with descriptions, Online forums for KM practitioners

Career Connection

In-depth knowledge from specialized coursework transforms you into a subject matter expert, highly sought after by organizations requiring advanced insights in knowledge strategy and information systems.

Engage in Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Research- (Semester 3-5)

Actively seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty and research scholars from other IITG departments (e.g., Computer Science, Management, Design). Focus on projects that integrate technological solutions or novel methodologies into KM. This broadens your research scope and enhances problem-solving skills.

Tools & Resources

IITG inter-departmental research groups, Joint seminars and workshops across departments, Collaboration platforms (e.g., GitHub for code-based projects)

Career Connection

Interdisciplinary expertise is highly valued in the Indian job market, enabling graduates to work on complex, holistic problems and secure roles in cross-functional R&D teams and strategic consulting.

Present at National and International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)

Prepare and submit high-quality research papers to reputable national and international conferences focused on Knowledge Management, Information Science, or relevant HSS domains. Utilize these platforms for constructive feedback, networking with leading scholars, and enhancing your academic presentation and communication skills.

Tools & Resources

ConfTool for conference submissions, ResearchGate for academic networking, Professional associations like ACM, IEEE, AMIS

Career Connection

Conference presentations build academic visibility, facilitate networking for future collaborations or post-doctoral opportunities, and demonstrate communication prowess essential for leadership roles in research and industry.

Advanced Stage

Target Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 5 onwards)

Collaborate closely with your supervisor to transform thesis chapters and research findings into publishable manuscripts. Aim for at least two to three publications in Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals of high repute within Knowledge Management or allied fields. Systematically address reviewer comments to refine your papers.

Tools & Resources

Journal Citation Reports for journal ranking, Scimago Journal & Country Rank, EndNote/Zotero for efficient reference management

Career Connection

Journal publications are a critical metric for academic career advancement (Assistant Professor, Post-Doc) and signify strong research capability, highly valued by top-tier Indian research institutions and corporations.

Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Exam and Thesis Defense- (Semester 4-6 (Comprehensive Exam) & Semester 7-9 (Thesis Defense))

Develop a structured study plan for the comprehensive examination, revisiting all core and specialized knowledge areas. Dedicate consistent effort to thesis writing, maintaining regular progress discussions with your advisor. Practice mock thesis defense presentations with faculty and peers to refine your arguments and presentation delivery.

Tools & Resources

Departmental guidelines for comprehensive exams and thesis submission, Presentation software (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer), IITG academic support services

Career Connection

Successful navigation of these milestones signifies your mastery of the field and ability to conduct independent research, crucial for both academic and senior research positions.

Proactive Career Planning and Networking- (Final year/Semester 7 onwards)

Actively engage in campus placement activities, attend industry conclaves, and leverage the IIT Guwahati alumni network to explore academic and industry roles. Tailor your CV and cover letter for specific job profiles. Network strategically with thought leaders and decision-makers in organizations focused on knowledge and information management in India.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn Professional Network, IITG Career Development Centre, Academic job portals (e.g., Times Higher Education, jobs.ac.uk) and industry job boards

Career Connection

Proactive career planning and extensive networking ensure a seamless transition into desired roles, whether in academia as a faculty member or as a strategic knowledge leader in prominent Indian corporations.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent GPA) OR Four-year Bachelor''''s degree (B.E./B.Tech.) with a minimum of 75% marks (or equivalent GPA). A valid score in national level examinations like GATE/NET/UGC-CSIR JRF is generally required.

Duration: Typically 3-5 years (full-time, varies based on research progress)

Credits: Minimum 12 credits of coursework (flexible selection from department offerings to be completed in initial semesters) Credits

Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
HS 601Research MethodologyCore/Mandatory Tool3Philosophy of Research, Research Design and Hypotheses, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Ethical Considerations in Research
HS 602Qualitative Methods in Social SciencesElective/Research3Qualitative Research Design, Ethnography and Participant Observation, In-depth Interviews and Focus Groups, Content and Discourse Analysis, Grounded Theory, Qualitative Data Management
HS 603Quantitative Methods in Social SciencesElective/Research3Statistical Inference, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, ANOVA and MANOVA, Factor Analysis, Survey Design and Analysis
HS 604Advanced Social TheoryElective/Research3Classical Sociological Theories, Contemporary Social Thought, Critical Theory and Postmodernism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Agency and Structure Debate, Theories of Power and Ideology
HS 605Epistemology of Social SciencesElective/Research3Nature of Knowledge, Truth and Justification, Scientific Explanation in Social Sciences, Objectivity and Subjectivity, Realism and Anti-Realism, Feminist Epistemologies
HS 606Ethical Issues in ResearchElective/Research3Research Integrity, Informed Consent and Confidentiality, Plagiarism and Authorship, Data Management and Ownership, Conflict of Interest, Ethical Review Boards
HS 607Review of LiteratureElective/Research3Purpose of Literature Review, Systematic Review Methods, Identifying Key Debates, Synthesizing Research Findings, Critical Appraisal of Sources, Writing a Literature Review
HS 608Research WritingElective/Research3Academic Writing Conventions, Structuring a Research Paper, Crafting Arguments, Citations and Referencing Styles, Thesis and Dissertation Writing, Responding to Peer Review
HS 609Data Analysis Using Statistical SoftwareElective/Research3Introduction to SPSS/R/Stata, Data Entry and Management, Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Regression and Correlation, Visualization of Data
HS 610Academic Writing and PublishingElective/Research3Writing for Academic Journals, Choosing Target Journals, Manuscript Preparation, Peer Review Process, Open Access Publishing, Promoting Research Impact
HS 611Teaching & Learning PedagogyElective/Research3Learning Theories, Curriculum Design, Instructional Strategies, Assessment in Higher Education, Educational Technology, Classroom Management
HS 612Interdisciplinary StudiesElective/Research3Nature of Interdisciplinarity, Theoretical Frameworks, Methodological Challenges, Case Studies of Interdisciplinary Research, Transdisciplinarity, Collaboration in Research
HS 613Philosophy of Science and TechnologyElective/Research3Nature of Scientific Knowledge, Falsification and Verification, Scientific Revolutions, Technology as Applied Science, Ethics of Technology, Impact of Science on Society
HS 614Science, Technology and SocietyElective/Research3Social Construction of Technology, Innovation and Development, Risk and Regulation, Public Understanding of Science, Digital Society, Globalization of Science and Technology
HS 615Theories of DevelopmentElective/Research3Modernization Theories, Dependency Theory, Post-Development Critique, Sustainable Development Goals, Human Development Index, Role of State and Market
HS 616Advanced Economic TheoryElective/Research3Microeconomic Foundations, Macroeconomic Models, General Equilibrium Theory, Game Theory Applications, Welfare Economics, Growth Models
HS 617Indian Economy: Policy Issues and DebatesElective/Research3Economic Reforms in India, Agricultural Policies, Industrial Development, Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Poverty and Inequality, Globalization and India
HS 618Public EconomicsElective/Research3Public Goods and Externalities, Taxation Theory, Government Spending Analysis, Fiscal Federalism, Budgetary Policy, Cost-Benefit Analysis
HS 619Development EconomicsElective/Research3Theories of Economic Growth, Poverty and Malnutrition, Human Capital Development, Role of Institutions, Microfinance and Rural Development, Income Inequality
HS 620EconometricsElective/Research3Classical Linear Regression Model, Generalized Least Squares, Time Series Analysis, Panel Data Models, Simultaneous Equation Models, Qualitative Response Models
HS 621Financial EconomicsElective/Research3Asset Pricing Models, Efficient Market Hypothesis, Derivatives Markets, Risk Management, Corporate Finance, Behavioral Finance
HS 622Environmental EconomicsElective/Research3Environmental Market Failures, Valuation of Environmental Goods, Pollution Control Policies, Climate Change Economics, Natural Resource Management, Green Accounting
HS 623Health EconomicsElective/Research3Demand for Health, Healthcare Markets, Health Insurance, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Health Policy, Global Health Issues
HS 624International TradeElective/Research3Theories of Trade, Trade Policy Instruments, Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers, International Trade Agreements, Trade and Development, Global Value Chains
HS 625Behavioural EconomicsElective/Research3Heuristics and Biases, Prospect Theory, Nudging and Choice Architecture, Time Inconsistency, Social Preferences, Behavioral Public Policy
HS 626Gender and DevelopmentElective/Research3Gender Concepts and Theories, Gender and Poverty, Women''''s Empowerment, Gender in Policy Planning, Intersectionality, Gender-Based Violence
HS 627Urban StudiesElective/Research3Urbanization Theories, Urban Planning and Policy, Urban Governance, Informal Settlements, Smart Cities, Urban Social Movements
HS 628Regional DevelopmentElective/Research3Regional Inequality, Regional Planning, Growth Poles, Industrial Clusters, Spatial Development, Backward Region Development
HS 629Political Economy of GlobalisationElective/Research3Theories of Globalization, Global Governance, International Institutions, Trade and Investment Regimes, Global Inequalities, Resistance to Globalization
HS 630Indian Politics and GovernanceElective/Research3Indian Constitutionalism, Electoral Politics, Party Systems, Federalism in India, Public Policy in India, Judicial Activism
HS 631Comparative PoliticsElective/Research3Comparative Research Methods, Political Systems, Regime Types, Political Culture, Electoral Systems, State and Society Relations
HS 632International RelationsElective/Research3Theories of International Relations, International Security, Global Political Economy, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, International Law, Non-State Actors
HS 633Political PhilosophyElective/Research3Justice and Equality, Liberty and Rights, Democracy Theories, Sovereignty and State, Citizenship, Contemporary Political Thinkers
HS 634Public AdministrationElective/Research3Bureaucracy and Governance, Public Policy Formulation, Organizational Theories, Public Sector Reforms, E-Governance, Ethics in Public Administration
HS 635Constitutional LawElective/Research3Basic Structure Doctrine, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Judicial Review, Amendment Procedures, Federalism and Constitutionalism
HS 636Human RightsElective/Research3Concept of Human Rights, International Human Rights Law, Human Rights in India, Civil and Political Rights, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Human Rights Institutions
HS 637Environmental Law and PolicyElective/Research3Environmental Jurisprudence, Environmental Protection Acts, Pollution Control Regulations, Biodiversity Law, Climate Change Policy, International Environmental Agreements
HS 638Public Policy AnalysisElective/Research3Policy Cycle, Policy Models, Stakeholder Analysis, Policy Evaluation, Evidence-Based Policymaking, Ethical Dimensions of Policy
HS 639Social Justice and EqualityElective/Research3Theories of Justice, Distributive Justice, Recognition and Difference, Affirmative Action, Social Exclusion, Global Justice
HS 640Dalit StudiesElective/Research3Caste System in India, History of Dalit Movement, Dalit Literature, Ambedkar''''s Philosophy, Dalit Identity Politics, Reservation Policy
HS 641Tribal StudiesElective/Research3Anthropology of Tribes, Tribal Cultures and Societies, Tribal Development Policies, Forest Rights and Land Issues, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Challenges of Tribal Integration
HS 642Northeast India StudiesElective/Research3History of Northeast India, Ethnic Diversity and Conflict, Insurgency and Peace Processes, Look East/Act East Policy, Borderland Dynamics, Development Challenges in NE India
HS 643Indian DiasporaElective/Research3Theories of Diaspora, History of Indian Migration, Identity and Belonging, Transnationalism, Remittances and Development, Diaspora Politics
HS 644Media and Communication StudiesElective/Research3Communication Theories, Media Effects, Digital Media and Society, Journalism Ethics, Public Relations, Media Policy and Regulation
HS 645Film StudiesElective/Research3Film Theory and Criticism, Narrative and Spectatorship, Genre Studies, World Cinema, Indian Cinema History, Documentary Film
HS 646Cultural StudiesElective/Research3Theories of Culture, Popular Culture, Subcultures, Representation and Identity, Cultural Consumption, Media and Everyday Life
HS 647Literature and SocietyElective/Research3Literary Movements, Social Realism, Literature as Reflection of Society, Censorship and Ideology, Postcolonial Literature, Literature and Identity
HS 648Postcolonial LiteratureElective/Research3Postcolonial Theory, Orientalism, Hybridity and Mimicry, Subaltern Studies, Decolonization Narratives, Postcolonial Identity
HS 649Contemporary Literary TheoryElective/Research3Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminist Literary Criticism, Queer Theory, Ecocriticism, New Historicism
HS 650LinguisticsElective/Research3Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Historical Linguistics
HS 651Applied LinguisticsElective/Research3Second Language Acquisition, Language Teaching Methods, Corpus Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Bilingualism and Multilingualism, Language Policy
HS 652English Language Teaching (ELT)Elective/Research3Methodologies in ELT, Learner Autonomy, Curriculum and Materials Design, Assessment in ELT, Technology in ELT, Teacher Development
HS 653Translation StudiesElective/Research3Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Aspects of Translation, Translation Technology, Literary Translation, Interpreter Training
HS 654Digital HumanitiesElective/Research3Computational Methods in Humanities, Digital Archiving, Text Mining and Analysis, GIS for Historical Research, Digital Storytelling, Virtual Reality in Arts
HS 655Philosophy of MindElective/Research3Mind-Body Problem, Consciousness Theories, Artificial Intelligence, Perception and Experience, Free Will and Determinism, Emotion and Rationality
HS 656EthicsElective/Research3Normative Ethics, Meta-Ethics, Applied Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Deontology, Consequentialism
HS 657AestheticsElective/Research3Philosophy of Art, Beauty and Ugliness, Art Criticism, Artistic Expression, Taste and Judgment, Aesthetics in Everyday Life
HS 658Logic and Critical ThinkingElective/Research3Formal and Informal Logic, Deductive and Inductive Reasoning, Fallacies in Argumentation, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Evaluating Information
HS 659Indian PhilosophyElective/Research3Vedic and Upanishadic Philosophy, Heterodox Systems (Buddhism, Jainism), Nyaya and Vaisheshika, Samkhya and Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta, Contemporary Indian Thought
HS 660Western PhilosophyElective/Research3Ancient Greek Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Rationalism and Empiricism, Kant and German Idealism, Existentialism, Analytic Philosophy
HS 661Psychology of Well-beingElective/Research3Positive Psychology, Happiness and Life Satisfaction, Resilience and Coping, Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, Interventions for Well-being
HS 662Cognitive PsychologyElective/Research3Perception and Attention, Memory Systems, Language and Thought, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Cognitive Neuroscience
HS 663Social PsychologyElective/Research3Social Cognition, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Dynamics, Prejudice and Discrimination, Aggression and Altruism, Interpersonal Attraction
HS 664Developmental PsychologyElective/Research3Theories of Development, Cognitive Development, Socioemotional Development, Adolescence and Adulthood, Aging and Gerontology, Lifespan Development
HS 665Clinical PsychologyElective/Research3Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Psychotherapy Approaches, Mental Health Disorders, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Community Mental Health
HS 666Organizational BehaviourElective/Research3Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Organizational Culture, Change Management
HS 667Human Resource ManagementElective/Research3HR Planning and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits, Industrial Relations, Strategic HRM
HS 668Marketing ManagementElective/Research3Market Segmentation and Targeting, Product and Brand Management, Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Communication, Distribution Channels, Digital Marketing
HS 669Financial ManagementElective/Research3Capital Budgeting, Working Capital Management, Cost of Capital, Capital Structure, Dividend Policy, Financial Risk Management
HS 670Operations ManagementElective/Research3Process Design and Analysis, Capacity Planning, Inventory Management, Quality Management, Supply Chain Optimization, Project Scheduling
HS 671Strategic ManagementElective/Research3Strategic Analysis, Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation, Competitive Advantage, Corporate Governance, Global Strategy
HS 672EntrepreneurshipElective/Research3Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Idea Generation, Business Plan Development, Funding for Startups, Marketing for New Ventures, Managing Growth and Exit Strategies
HS 673Business Ethics and Corporate Social ResponsibilityElective/Research3Ethical Theories in Business, Corporate Governance, Stakeholder Management, Environmental Sustainability, Social Reporting, Ethical Decision Making
HS 674Knowledge ManagementSpecialization Elective3Foundations of Knowledge Management, Knowledge Creation and Capture, Knowledge Organization and Sharing, Knowledge Application and Measurement, KM Technologies and Systems, Organizational Learning and Culture
HS 675Information Systems ManagementSpecialization Elective3Role of Information Systems, IS Strategy and Governance, IT Infrastructure Management, Data Management and Analytics, Cybersecurity and Privacy, Emerging IS Technologies
HS 676Data Analytics for BusinessElective/Research3Descriptive and Predictive Analytics, Data Mining Techniques, Statistical Modeling for Business, Machine Learning Applications, Big Data Technologies, Business Intelligence Tools
HS 677Supply Chain ManagementElective/Research3Supply Chain Design, Logistics and Transportation, Inventory Optimization, Supplier Relationship Management, Global Supply Chains, Sustainable Supply Chains
HS 678Project ManagementElective/Research3Project Life Cycle, Project Planning and Scheduling, Risk Management, Resource Allocation, Project Monitoring and Control, Project Closure and Evaluation
HS 679Innovation ManagementElective/Research3Theories of Innovation, Innovation Processes, Fostering Creativity, Open Innovation, Innovation Ecosystems, Technology Commercialization
HS 680Technology ManagementElective/Research3Technology Forecasting, Technology Strategy, R&D Management, Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Transfer, Emerging Technologies
HS 681Research Seminar IResearch1Presenting Research Proposals, Academic Presentation Skills, Peer Feedback Mechanisms, Q&A Handling, Literature Synthesis Presentation, Identifying Research Gaps
HS 682Research Seminar IIResearch1Presenting Ongoing Research, Conference Presentation Strategies, Feedback Integration, Engaging with Scholarly Community, Preparing for Comprehensive Exam, Pre-Synopsis Presentation
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